1730 VETOES.

Taking up the specific matters, it is significant that the
Prince George's measure goes to the extreme of legalizing slot
machines which had not been allowed under the previous law.
It was apparently felt that widespread use of such devices
would result because the license fee for distributors was set at
the high figure of $5, 000. 00.

Regarding the Charles and Anne Arundel County measures,
I do not lose sight of the fact that the proceeds from the use of
the machines would go for hospital and relief purposes. It
was argued to me that if this bill is not passed the hospital in
Charles County might not be able to function. Against this
contention, however, is the fact that, under the present law,
only eighty machines of the class referred to are licensed in
Charles County netting a total of $2, 800. This relatively small
amount will not stand in the way of closing or keeping open
the hospital doors in my opinion. In fact, the very worthy
aims of the hospital board and staff will be assisted by an in-
creased appropriation from the State which was included in
my Budget.

I am forced to the conclusion that the majority of our people
object to the legalization of these gambling devices and relied
upon us to see that they were not continued in operation. To
resort to this left-handed method of sanctioning their use in
the several counties referred to would be, I sincerely believe,
a breach of faith. For these reasons, I intend to veto the
specific measures.

PISTOLS.

Chapter 121 (Senate Bill 32). This measure prescribes new
conditions relating to the sale, identification marks and posses-
sion of pistols. One of the provisions of the bill would make it
unlawful for any person to make a loan, secured by a mortgage
deposit or pledge, of a pistol or revolver. It is contended by
opponents of the measure that this provision would seriously
operate to diminish the efficient exercise by the police of duties
concerning the transfers of pistols, inasmuch as under the
present law it is stipulated that such transfers be recorded by
the pawn brokers and reported periodically to the Police De-
partment. The Police Commissioner of Baltimore City gives
it as his opinion that this measure may obstruct the work of
his Department.

Because I am anxious to cooperate whole-heartedly with the
police in the discharge of their duties, I am concluding to veto
this measure.